Ben Jones could scarcely sound more upbeat as Warwick’s Grade Two highlight approaches, with Kingmaker Novices’ Chase Warwick firmly in the sights of Mambonumberfive, a young chaser whose progress this season has been smooth, upward and unmistakably promising.
The five-year-old, trained by Ben Pauling, arrives on Saturday with an unblemished record over fences, three wins from three starts marking him out as one of the most exciting novice chasers of the winter. Jones, who knows the gelding as well as anyone, reported this week that his partner is “bouncing out of his skin” as preparations reach their final stages for the two-mile contest.
Pauling’s charge first announced himself on his chasing debut at Aintree before following up in similar company at Newbury. Those victories were solid rather than spectacular, but they laid the foundation for a more accomplished performance when stepping into graded company over Christmas. That success confirmed that Mambonumberfive possesses not just ability, but a temperament well suited to the demands of novice chasing.
Kingmaker Novices’ Chase Warwick poses fresh questions
Saturday’s Kingmaker Novices’ Chase Warwick, run over two miles and offering a searching examination of jumping, will ask new questions. Warwick’s fences come quickly, and rhythm is often decisive. Jones believes that plays directly to his mount’s strengths.
“He’s taken everything in his stride so far,” the rider said. “We weren’t convinced early on that two miles would be ideal, but he keeps finding a way to win. He can look flat out early, but he finishes strongly, and that’s a good habit to have around a track like Warwick.”
A penalty is part of the package following graded success, but Jones is unconcerned. Mambonumberfive is a physically imposing type, standing well over 17 hands, and carries his size with ease. With recent rain expected to leave a bit of ease in the ground, conditions should offer a fair test without stretching him beyond his comfort zone.
“He hasn’t had proper soft ground yet this season,” Jones added. “That bit of moisture will help, and I don’t see the extra weight being an issue for a horse of his build.”
Behind the confidence lies realism. Jones admitted that his Christmas success did not unfold smoothly, particularly during a fast early tempo. Minor errors crept in when the pace lifted, but the response up the home straight was decisive, underlining both resilience and class.
“If it had been a pure speed test, I’d have been worried,” he reflected. “But once he found top gear, he didn’t miss a beat. He’s been an excellent jumper all season, and those mistakes were more about the speed than any flaw.”
The Warwick assignment is also part of a broader plan. The two-mile route has long been a stepping stone towards championship spring targets, and connections feel this measured approach offers the best preparation. A longer test on deeper ground was considered and set aside, with the emphasis firmly on sharpening speed and fluency rather than stretching stamina at this stage.
Victory would cap a fine run not only for the horse but also for Jones, who has enjoyed a productive spell through the heart of winter, delivering composed rides in high-quality company. He is quick to deflect praise towards the strength of the Pauling yard, where depth and patience are paying dividends.
“Mambonumberfive is still learning,” Jones said. “He’ll be better again next season, and probably the one after that. He’s got a tremendous attitude, and that takes you a long way in this game.”
Saturday’s Kingmaker Novices’ Chase Warwick will reveal more about just how far that attitude, allied to raw ability, can carry him.
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